Today is Primary Election Day in PA….Polls are open until 8pm…..Salamanca couple arrested for fighting in Potter County…Wellsboro woman loses money in phone scam….Another Wellsboro woman thwarted mail crooks….House and camp burglaries probed by troopers at Emporium…..

OBITUARIES: Irma Grandin, Roulette and Shelly Prince, Shinglehouse

Breaking News. The Truck Lite plant on Route 6 in Charleston Township, Tioga County was evacuated this morning after a bomb threat was received at about 6:27 am. State police arrived on the scene, minutes later and clear the building and requested a PSP explosive –detecting dog to assist in the search,. As of 11:30 am, nothing had been found but the investigation was continuing. There were no injuries.

Today Is Primary election day in Pennsylvania. Polls are open until 8:00 pm. Republicans and Democrats will be choosing their party’s nominees for US Senator, Governor, US House of Representatives and party committees. Only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote today; all registered voters will be able to vote in the General Election this coming November. Republicans will choose either Lou Barletta or Rep. Jim Christiana to compete with incumbent Senator Robert Casey, a Democrat, next fall. Scott Wagner, Paul Mango and Laura Ellsworth are competing for the chance to take on Democrat Governor Tom Wolf, in November. A change in congressional maps will prove confusing for many voters and some pundits think the new maps could spell disaster. The Black Forest Broadcast Service area used to be located in the 5th Congressional District which incumbent Glenn Thompson has represented for a number of two year terms. Here Republicans will now choose between Tom Marino and Doug McLinko. Democrats will select either Judy Herscel or Mark Friedenberg. All eyes are on Pennsylvania today, at least a lot of them. Democrats are licking their chops believing the new maps favor their party and will give them the edge to win a number of seats this fall which could award the US House to their party. The state supreme curt with a majority of Democrats on the bench ruled that a previous congressional map submitted by the state legislature which has a Republican majority favored Republicans and ordered a new map, which now favors Democrats according to experts

Two Salamanaca, NY residents have been cited for harassment after a domestic violence incident on the afternoon of April 26 in Harrison Township, Potter County. State police at Coudersport report 21 year old Jane Wilerson and 28 year old John Emon subjected each other to unwanted physical contact during an argument .

A 59 year old Wellsboro woman lost $300 in a phone scam recently. The woman received a notice that one of her Face book messages was blocked; directed her to call a customer service number and pay a $2 fee. She also complied with a request to allow remote access to her computer. Cyber thieves, after gaining access, stole $300 from the victim’s bank account. Police remind consumers that Face Book does not have customer service phone numbers and anyone receiving such a request should ignore it and hang up.

Another Wellsboro woman thwarted a mail scam. State police explained the 59 year old victim received checks in the mail for May Kay beauty products that were more than the products and was instructed to send the balance back. She recognized it as a scam and did not send any money.

State police at Mansfield also investigated tangible thefts. Burglars broke out a back window and door to gain entry to a vacant house on Route 249 in Middlebury Center sometime since the first of December. Owners John Kearse 75, and Deborah Kearse, 65, told police it did not look like anything had been stolen. And criminals caused an estimated $350 in damage when they forced their way into a camp on the Shortsville Hill Road in Chatham Township between January 23 and April 22.Authorities day the crooks first tried to break down the door but found a pile of firewood had been stacked in front of it. So, they went around to the south side of the camp and forced open a door on the hinge side and smashed a window in the living room. The camp is owned by Ralph Horn of Mount Bethel, PA.

Potter County PennDot work this week:
Sign Repairs:
● State Routes: Various State Routes in Potter County
Sign Upgrades:
● State Route: 0872 in Cameron County
Bridge Flushing:
● State Routes: Ulysses area
Pipe Replacement:
● State Route: 4027 (McGinnis Road) Monday
Crack Sealing:
● State Route: 1010 (Mills to North Bingham)
● State Route: 0006 (Coudersport to Sweden Valley)

Irma M. Grandin, 81, of Lanninger Creek Rd., passed away Saturday (May 12, 2018) in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born March 24, 1937, in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, she was a daughter of Dulcilio and Georgina Gonzalez Molina. On Sept. 14, 1957, in Newark, NY, she married William H. Grandin, Jr., who survives. They were married 60 years.
Irma was a longtime resident of the area and former co-owner & operator with her husband of Bill’s Kendall Convenience Store, Roulette, for 30 years.
Mrs. Grandin attended the Riverside Methodist Church of Roulette and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She enjoyed quilting, ceramics, music and dancing, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren & great-grand-children.
Surviving in addition to her husband, William, are three daughters, Beverly J. (Steven) McDowell and Brenda S. (Brian) Milliron both of Roulette, and Barbara J. (Mark) Robinson of Sayre, PA; six grandchildren: Craig McDowell, Raleigh, NC, Justin (Chrissy) Fillhart of Roulette, Rikki Sue (Corey) Ross of Falls Creek , PA, Shelby (Richard Fry) Milliron of Roulette, Hannah and Mollie Robinson both of Sayre, PA; seven great-grandchildren: Peyton Manchester, Tyler, Madison and Ryan Fillhart, Savannah, Colton, and Kaelee Ross; former son-in-law, Ricky Fillhart of Roulette; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Angel L. Molina.
Friends will be received from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Tuesday (May 15, 2018) in the Riverside Methodist Church, Roulette, where a funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. with Rev. Ben Zimmerman, pastor, and Rev. Charles Campbell, co-officiating.
Burial will be in Hill Cemetery, Roulette.
Memorials can be made to the Roulette Ambulance or Roulette Fire Dept. Auxiliary.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany.

Condolences can be sent to: William H. Grandin, Jr.
103 Lanninger Creek Rd.

Roulette, PA 16746-Shelly A. Prince, 47, of Shinglehouse, passed away with her loving family by her side on Saturday, May 12, 2018, in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville, N.Y., after a short battle with cancer.
Born on May 27, 1970 in Buffalo, N.Y., she was a daughter of Robert D. and Barbara J. Colburn Sherwood. On November 12, 1994 in Shinglehouse, she married Patrick R. Prince, who survives.
Shelly was a 1988 graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. She was employed at the former Ethan Allen Furniture Company in Eldred until the birth of her children. She later worked at Cummins Cider Mill in Portville, N.Y. Most importantly, Shelly was a loving wife and mother whose family and friends meant the world to her. She enjoyed her flower gardens, mowing her lawn, her animals, and attending all her children’s sporting and other events.
Surviving besides her husband are a daughter, Paige R. Prince, at home; a son, Sawyer R. Prince, at home; her father, Robert D. “Bob” Sherwood of Shinglehouse; a sister, Amy L. Chappell of Shinglehouse; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her mother, Shelly was predeceased by a brother, Paul S. Whitman.
Family and friends may call from 3 to 6pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where a Celebration of Shelly’s life will follow at 6pm with the Rev. Robert Achey, officiating. Private burial will be in the Chrystal Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shelly’s name may be made to the Oswayo Valley Sports Boosters, c/o 4 Sperl Hollow Road, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Shelly’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences or share a fond memory of Shelly, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

An elderly Mansfield woman was killed just afternoon when she was struck by a car. According to state police, a 70 year old Wellsboro man was going east on Route 6 and swerved to the left in a futile attempt to avoid hitting the pedestrian 90 year old Bernice Gruzlweski. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tioga County coroner. The driver’s name was not released.

Three people were hurt Sunday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash on W. Main Street in Smethport. Troopers report Penny Cliber of Tyrone was going east on Route 59 when her car veered off the road and collided with two telephone poles. Ciber and and her two passengers, Brenda Hoffman of Smethport and a 14 year old girl were treated at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

An arson charge has been filed against a 27year old Ridgway man .When the state police fire marshal looked through the rubble after an 8 x10 storage shed was destroyed by fire early Saturday morning he found the remains of a pair of blue jeans and a partially burned wallet containing the PA driver’s license was found in Brian Reed’s clothing. Belonging to Brian Reed. The suspect was observed at the scen e without shoes and pants and allegedly admitted to officers that he had started the blaze with the idea of destroying the shed owned by Alicia Fourness of Weedville. Damage is estimated to be $2,000. After being arraigned for arson, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and criminal trepss Reed was locked up in the Elk County Prison.

Troopers at Coudersport have charged 46 year old Brian Knauer of Roulette with harassment in connection for a domestic violence assault last Wednesday night. Authorities claim Knauer shoved a 43 year old woman, a 17yer old girl and a 16 year old boy to the kitchen floor during an argument. Knauer is facing three charges of harassment in district court.

Cyber thieves used the ID of a 70 year old Driftwood man to buy an online vacation site last Thursday. The investigation by state police is continuing.

Kane-based state police have arrested 31 year old Kathleen Burdick in connection to an incident reportedly taking place last Wednesday evening at the intersection of Route 446 and Coryville Alley. Authorities claim Burdick broke open a pallet of rocks and threw threw them on the ground to remove her vehicle from property owned by Joseph Johnson. Damage is estimated to be $400.

A criminal trespass in Hector Townshp was investigated earlier this month by state police at Coudersport. Unknown trespassers parked their small white SUV on property along the Loucks Mills Road owned by Michele Lederer of Parker Ford , PA without her permission for an undetermined amount of time.

Unknown persons deposited various items into a dumpster belonging to Reid and Reed Auto Sales on the Sizerville Road on two separate occasions recently . A used/worn dirty mattress and box springs were left there last Wednesday or Thursday. And, trash and laundry detergent were put in the dumpster sometime this past Saturday.

Seven museums and historical organizations in the 25th Senatorial District have been awarded $28,000 in state grants, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25).

Scarnati explained that the grants were awarded as part of the state’s Cultural and Historical Support program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). The goal of the program is to strengthen the Pennsylvania museum community through providing general operating support to museums and official county historical societies that are not supported by other state agency funding programs.

“Our area is fortunate to have outstanding museums and historical societies,” Scarnati said. “I am glad that these grants will offer assistance so that they can continue to provide excellent educational opportunities within our communities.”

Grant Recipients In the 25th Senatorial District Included the Following Groups:

o Cameron County Historical Society – $4,000

o Clearfield county Historical Society – $4,000

o Clinton County Historical Society – $4,000

o Jefferson County Historical Society – $4,000

o Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center, Jefferson County – $4,000

o McKean County Historical Society – $4,000

o Tioga County Historical Society – $4,000

Birdella Grant (Ridlon) Haskins, 95, a long-time resident of Coudersport, passed away at her home on Wednesday, May 9, 2018. She married Howard B. Haskins in Coudersport on May 25, 1946, they shared 55 years of marriage together prior to his death in 2002. She was born on April 8, 1923 in North Stratford, New Hampshire, the daughter of the late John C. and Irene (Grant) Ridlon.Birdella graduated from Coudersport High School and continued her education at Bryant and Stratton College. Her primary occupation consisted of owning and operating the former Birdella Grabe Furniture Store located in Coudersport. In addition, she was employed by her family’s hardware store, Ridlon Hardware, for over a decade and also served as the personal secretary to well-known attorney, John Mahaley, from 1946 until 1957. Birdella was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Coudersport for over 50 years, serving as church secretary during many of those years. She was a member of the Charles Cole Hospital Auxiliary, the Coudersport Office Girls and was an active volunteer with the Red Cross Blood Mobile. Her hobbies and interests included gardening, hosting family events and reading, as she was involved in many book clubs. Birdella will be remembered by family and friends for her caring personality and kind-hearted nature.Left to cherish her memory are, her son and daughter-in-law, John H. and Cris Haskins of Coudersport; granddaughters, Shannon Haskins and Brittany Haskins, both of Coudersport; one great-granddaughter, Oaklynn Kibbe; one great-grandson and great-granddaughter on the way; many dear friends.In addition to her parents, Birdella was preceded in death by her husband, Howard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Birdella’s name to either, Eulalia Cemetery, c/o Donna Lehman, P.O. Box 226, Coudersport, PA 16915 or an organization of your choice.

Birdella’s funeral service will be held on Monday, May 14, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, Ltd., 210 North East Street, Coudersport, PA 16915. There will be one hour of visitation prior to service from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Pastor Carl Greene will be officiating and burial will take place in Eulalia Cemetery. To share your fondest memories of Birdella or to sign her guestbook, please visit www.thomasfickinger.com. Local funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, Ltd., Coudersport.

Informational meeting on Denton Hill scheduled for May 23…..Pennsylvania leads the nation in Lyme disease cases and May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month…Bridgework will create detours between Shinglehouse and Coneville…Second Emporium fire leaves 13 people homeless….Teen suspected of stealing $10,000 worth of jewelry from McKean County home…

Rep. Martin Causer reports The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will hold an informational meeting about a master plan for Denton Hill State Park on Wednesday, May 23, from 6-8 p.m. at the lodge in the park.
According to DCNR State Parks Director John Hallas, the agency has worked to develop a plan that will provide infrastructure improvements to the ski area, and position a concessionaire and the park to grow recreational opportunities in all four seasons.
The park first opened as a ski area in 1958 and was operated by the Commonwealth until 1979. In 1983, DCNR signed a 35-year concession lease agreement with Denton Hill Family and Ski Resort Inc. The concessionaire notified DCNR in November 2014 that it would no longer be able to operate, and ski operations have been closed since that time.
Bridge work that’s part of a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT improvement job on Route 44 in Potter County, will bring traffic pattern changes starting May 16. The overall project will improve ride quality across 9 miles of roadway, extend the life of the roadway surface from Shinglehouse Borough to Coneville, and bring repairs to three bridges.
Repairs will get underway next week on the Oswayo Creek bridge near Millport. During the first phase of the repair work in the westbound lane, drivers will encounter an alternating traffic pattern at the bridge enforced by temporary traffic signals, as well as not being able to access Eleven Mile Road (Route 4023) from Route 44. Drivers needing to access Eleven Mile Road (Route 4023) will follow a detour using Plank Road (Route 4014) and Honeoye Road (Route 4021). This detour will be in place through June.
During the second phase of the repair work in the eastbound lane, Canada Hollow Road (Township Road 339) will be closed for access from Route 44. Drivers needing to access Canada Hollow Road will follow a detour using Cow Run (Route 4017) and Canada Hollow Road (T-339). This second detour will be in place through mid-August.
The 187-foot bridge spans Oswayo Creek in the village of Millport. The bridge carries an average of 1,700 vehicles each day and repairs will remove it from the structurally deficient list.
Temporary signals are also in place on a smaller Route 44 bridge near the intersection with Back Road, east of Millport. A third Route 44 bridge between Millport and Shinglehouse will see repair work later this year.
Work activity on the overall project includes roadway grinding, installation of pavement base drain, drainage replacement, pipe flushing, roadway widening, overlay, tree trimming for daylighting, pavement markings, basic bridge repairs, new signage, and miscellaneous construction.
Roadway work zones feature flaggers in the roadway enforcing alternating traffic patterns.
Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $9.1 million job. The project is expected to finish by October. All work is weather and schedule dependent.
May is World Lyme Disease Day, a time to raise awareness of a disease that more than 25,000 people contracted in 2015, and was suspected in over 35,000.Pennsylvania has had the highest number of cases for the past threeyears. Rates of Lyme disease continue to rise in the Northeast United States. To protect yourself and your loved ones from this painful bacterial infection, read up on the following key facts to know about the disease, and how to prevent it.

What Is Lyme Disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borreliaburgdorferi. The bacteria is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.
The ticks can’t fly or jump, the CDC report. Instead, they wait for either a human or animal host while resting on the tips of grasses and shrubs. Although they can attack anywhere on the body, their favorite places to attach are in areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp.

Thankfully, most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. However, if the infection is left untreated, it may develop into more serious symptoms such as arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly the knees and other large joints, and facial palsy where you may experience a droopiness on the face, The CDC report.
Prevention
The main route of exposure to the Lyme disease bacteria is through ticks, therefore, the best route of prevention is preventing tick bites. This can be done by avoiding wooded areas with especially high grass or large amounts of leaf litter.
In addition, use repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin for protection that lasts several hours. It also helps to wear clothing and use tents that contain 0.5 percent permethrin, the CDC advises. If you do not have permethrin clothing, it helps to wear long socks or pants when walking through wooded areas to prevent ticks from attaching, WebMD report.
In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted, the CDC reports. So it’s helpful to search yourself and your loved ones for ticks after you have been in tick-infested areas, such as hiking through the woods. It also helps to take a shower or bath after returning from wooded areas, as this can not only wash away newly lodged ticks but also make them easier to spot.
In addition, put clothing in the dryer after washing to ensure that you’ve completely killed or dislodged any ticks that may have caught a ride on your clothing.

The state police fire marshal reports the fire Tuesday night which heavily damaged a seven unit two story apartment building in Emporium was caused by improper disposal of smoking materials which ignited nearby combustible items. There were no injuries however seven families comprised of 13 people were left homeless. The building is owned by Laura Ann Hoffman-Williamson of Olean. Damage is estimated bo be about $185,000. Volunteers from Coudersport, Austin, Port Allegany, St. Marys and Kersey assisted Emporium firefighters. It was the second major fire in Emporium within a month. On April 8, another apartment building and a nearby single family home were destroyed by fire leaving seven people homeless.

A 17 year old boy is accused of stealing a small amount of US currency and $10,200 worth of jewelry from the home of Betty Mosburg on Flickerwood Road in Wetmore Township McKean County between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm April 26. State police claim the boy stole the money and jewelry while cleaning the victim’s house.

State police at Kane are investigating a criminal mischief occurring between May 1 and 5 on Route 155 just west of Birch Run Road. Would-be burglars tried to force their way into a garage owned by Nnecia Wood but were not able to gain entry.

DUI charges are pending against a 27 year old Ridgway man who drove his vehicle off the road at the intersection of Montmorenci Road and Evergreen Road in Ridgwayt Wednesday night. Troopers said when they investigated they determined the man had been driving under the influence of alcohol and took him into custody. The suspect’s name will be released when charges are formally made.